Group tasks new service chiefs on performance, lauds Buhari for appointment

A political group, Tinubu Vanguard, on Wednesday urged the newly-appointed Service Chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This, they can do by quickly end insecurity in the country, its Director-General, Dr Johnny Benjamin said in a statement issued to congratulate the new Service Chiefs.

President Buhari on Tuesday announced the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Leo Irabor as the new Chief of Defence Staff and Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru as the new Chief of Army Staff.

The president also announced Rear Adm. Awwal Gambo, as the new Chief of Naval Staff and Air-Vice Marshal Ishaka Amao as the new Chief of Air Staff.

They replaced Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, now former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, Vice-Adm. Ibok Ekwe Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, former Chief of Air Staff.

Benjamin equally lauded President Buhari for the appointments, which he described as a bold step.

He commended the predecessors of the new Service Chiefs for their efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes in the country.

“We urge the new officers to redouble their efforts and hit the ground running as they have a lot of grounds to cover to meet up with the numerous challenges facing the country.

“Their appointment is coming at a time when Nigerians are expressing so much concern about the level of insecurity.

“The bold step taken by Mr President to replace the former Service Chiefs is quite commendable as it is a welcome development.

“We appreciate the role played by the outgoing officers for the services they rendered to their fatherland and wish them well in their future endeavours, Benjamin stated.